The homogenous state of UK culture is often criticised. Multi-national stores and conglomerates have supposedly taken over the high street; major labels have consumed independent artists; and the only restaurants available are chain bistros and cafes. However, it is my belief that there are plenty of independent treasures out there, both online and in the street. You just have to take the care to look for them.

Through this blog I will do that leg-work for you, introducing you to independent gems that you can then check out for yourself. Indie Treasures focuses on independent culture and enterprise in the UK, revealing shops, restaurants, designers, record labels and artists, triumphing both their autonomy and their vision and creativity. There is a huge, burgeoning independent scene out there, full of true individualism and quality, and almost always at very reasonable prices. So think of this baby as you independent guide to an independent weekend!

Sunday, 13 January 2013

Analogue Books


 Analogue Books is an independent bookshop specialising in independently published books and magazines. Owned by Julie Nicoll and Russell Ferguson, Analogue Books was first established in Edinburgh in 2001, and recently relocated to their charming new premises in the city on Candlemaker Row.
 The focus of Analogue Books is art and design related publications, covering a whole throng of sub-topics including architecture, graphic design, illustration and fashion. The predominant focus of the store is book publications, but the shop also houses an impressive array of indie magazines and zines (many of which are published in-house), along with short run graphic prints and the odd record. They also include staple titles from the likes of Lawrence King publications et al., but Nicoll and Ferguson centre much of their time and energy into sourcing books from the more obscure independent publishers such as Nobrow and Seems, as well as acquiring books from artists directly. There is also a real local tilt to Analogue Books. While some work is sourced from overseas, most items sold within their walls are UK based, and indie, are predominately focused on local Scottish talent, such as the work by the utterly captivating The Lindstrom Effect.
 As well as their retail arm, Analogue Books also plays host to a variety of events and exhibitions. Graffiti artists, screen-printers and illustrators have exhibited in the teeny galley out back in exciting and curious ways, and have even added their works to the interior design of the store. Artist exhibitions have included the marvellous Tom Gauld, who creates now weekly cartoons for The Guardian, and local artist Matt Swan, who recently added some original artwork to the store’s doorway.
 Analogue Books is a real treasure trove of independent art books, and has added hugely to the creative scene in Edinburgh over is 10+ years. Its collection of odd, beautiful, thought-provoking and subtle publications allow one to discover some of the latest movers and shakers in the art and design world, especially at a local level. They also have an efficient online store for those of you who cannot make it up to Edinburgh anytime soon.

http://www.analoguebooks.co.uk/

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